In 2023, the demand for water in the Gulf countries will continue to grow. The number of water users in Dubai alone will exceed 1 million people, which is 5% more than in the previous year.
The nation’s per capita water consumption stands at 500 liters per day, 50% above the global average, reflecting one of the highest rates worldwide.
This demand is projected to double by 2030 increasing from 4.5 to 9-10 billion cubic meters annually.
Our team
Backed by the Finnish Government, our collaboration aims to leverage Finland’s advanced water management technologies and practices, ensuring a resilient and sustainable water supply that meets the growing demands and supports the well-being of communities.
OY M. RAUANHEIMO AB
a leader in Finnish port logistics with a strong track record in efficient and innovative solutions, brings expertise in handling and transportation and operations.
INNCARBON TECHNOLOGY LTD
with its innovative approach to environmental technology, offers valuable insights into sustainable practices and resource management.
Analysis of the market
Projected Doubling of Water Demand
The total annual water demand in the UAE is expected to double by 2030, increasing from the current 4.5 billion cubic meters (BCM) to between 9 and 10 BCM. This significant growth is driven by population increase, urbanization, and the impacts of climate change.
The Gulf countries heavily relies on desalinated drinking water, with a significant portion of its water supply being sourced from desalination plants due to the region’s arid climate and scarcity of natural freshwater resources.
High demand for water imports in UAE and Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the main importers of virtual water in the GCC – 17.1 and 11.95 billion cubic meters per year. Their high dependence on external water sources is exacerbated by the use of energy-intensive desalination and non-renewable groundwater. This growing demand presents a significant opportunity for our Finnish water solutions to offer a sustainable and high-quality alternative in these markets.
Escalating Water Shortages and Infrastructure Needs
The Gulf region is facing growing water shortages due to increasing domestic and industrial demands that exceed the limits of renewable water supplies. Existing sources – groundwater, desalination plants, and reclaimed wastewater – are unable to meet these growing demands. The problem of growing water scarcity will become more acute in the next 30 years.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPORTED WATER
The combination of high consumption levels, limited natural resources and projected demand growth creates significant market opportunities, for alternative water sources such as Finnish water imported in agreed volumes.
Our Strategic Solution
We offer a strategic solution: tanker delivery of Finnish water.
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This approach aims to address water scarcity in the Middle East by providing a constant high-quality water supply.
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It’s not just about quenching thirst; it’s about setting a new benchmark in water quality and business innovation.
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Our logistic model ensures feasibility and reliability, offering a practical response to the pressing need for sustainable water sources.
- This venture represents a unique proposition – tapping into an underserved market with a premium product.
Product Advantage - Blue Gold
Finnish water, extracted from more than 180,000 cleanest lakes, is not just a drink, it is a symbol of luxury and health.
Our proposal is simple – a long-term project: in a private/public-private partnership, utilizing the potential of our partners, to ensure uninterrupted supplies of clean drinking water from Finnish seaports, obtaining a highly liquid asset.
With the world’s growing water scarcity, this project represents a solid investment in a resource whose value will only increase.
Management and Operations plan
Our consortium, Oy M. Rauanheimo Ab and Inncarbon Technology LTD, will be responsible for all operations on the Finnish side. This includes organizational issues and the integrated management of the basic business processes, from water extraction, to storage and shipment, through Finnish seaports. Potentially, our role could include logistical tasks.
Minimum volume of water supply 3 million liters per year per seaport
Approved by Finnish Government
We have an agreement in principle with the management of the municipal organizations and the Finnish regional authorities under which this project will be implemented.
For the New Partner
We are looking for a strategic partner in the Gulf countries.
Potential partner:
- Direct participation in the investment component of the project; sufficient understanding of the local market specifics and strong ties in the country of destination.
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The functions and terms of the partner’s participation in the project will be discussed by the Parties additionally.
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Participation in the project is to obtain an agreed share of the business asset in the new venture, combining investment in a vital resource with the potential for stable financial returns.
Benefits
The potential partner receives a controlling interest in the joint venture.
The partnership represents a unique opportunity to be at the center of a Finnish public-private alliance, as the Finnish government is willing to facilitate the drilling of wells to ensure water production in the planned volumes.
Your investment will catalyze an innovative project that meets a critical need in the Gulf market.
Conclusions
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As we enter an existing market of Finnish water export to the Middle East, our venture stands out with its scale, government partnership, and strategic approach.
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This is more than a business opportunity; it’s a chance to join a growing trend, leveraging the established demand for premium water in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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With your investment, we aim to expand and enhance this market, offering a unique blend of scale, sustainability, and quality.
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We invite you to become a pivotal part of this venture, not just as an investor but as a leader in a movement that’s reshaping the water industry in the Middle East.
References
- Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA). (2023, August 1). Water accounts in Dubai reach 1,023,079 accounts by the end of the first half of 2023, a 5% increase year on year. Government of Dubai. https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/about-us/media-publications/latest-news/2023/02/dewa-updates-its-strategic
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. (2022, December 21). Almost 100 per cent of Finnish drinking water meets the quality requirements. THL. Retrieved from https://thl.fi/en/web/thlfi-en/-/almost-100-per-cent-of-finnish-drinking-water-meets-the-quality-requirements
- Hilal, N. (2022, March 22). World Water Day: A chance for the UAE to re-think our use of resources. The National. https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2022/03/22/world-water-day-a-chance-for-the-uae-to-re-think-our-use-of-resources/
- MEDI Connection. (2019, March 22). Water in Finland purest in the world. Retrieved from https://mediconnection.fi/en/water-finland-purest-world/
- Sherif, M., Liaqat, M. U., Baig, F., & Al-Rashed, M. (2023, September 29). Water Resources Availability, sustainability and challenges in the GCC countries: An overview. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844023077514